As a supporting infrastructure for electric vehicles, new energy charging piles provide essential charging services. This article introduces the basic knowledge about charging piles, including their classification, structure, connection methods, and charging modes.
01. Classification of Charging Piles
- Based on Charging Speed:
Charging piles can be divided into AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) types. AC piles are usually for home use, small in size, and flexible to install. They provide slower charging (around 6–8 hours for a full charge) and are suitable for small passenger EVs. Hence, they are often called slow chargers. DC piles, on the other hand, deliver higher power within a shorter time (30–120 minutes), suitable for most mainstream EVs. They are also known as fast chargers.
- Based on Installation Method:
Charging piles can be free-standing or wall-mounted. Free-standing piles do not require a wall and are suitable for outdoor or public use. Wall-mounted piles must be fixed to a wall, typically used in indoor or underground parking lots.
- Based on Application Scenario:
Public charging piles serve general vehicles in public areas. Dedicated charging piles are for organizational or fleet use. Private charging piles are installed in personal parking spaces for individual use.
In addition, high-power DC piles can be integrated or modular types. Integrated piles combine all components in one body, while modular systems have centralized power modules and distributed charging terminals.
02. Structure of Charging Piles
A charging pile typically includes the pile body, charging module, display, management module, cable connections, and safety devices. These components determine its safety and durability.
- Body: Usually made of steel or aluminum alloy for durability and stability.
Charging Module: The core part including the converter, controller, and power unit.
3. Display Screen: Shows real-time charging data, status, and cost. Some include touch functionality.
4. Accounting Module: Calculates and records electricity consumption and costs.
5. Connection Cables: Transmit power and data. Some piles feature automatic cable retractors.
6. Safety Devices: Include leakage, overcurrent, and overvoltage protection.
03. Charging Methods
Charging methods are divided into slow charging, fast charging, and wireless charging.
- Slow Charging (AC): Common for home use. It converts low-power AC to DC via the onboard charger (OBC), typically 3kW or 7kW.
- Fast Charging (DC): Converts AC to DC within the pile and outputs high-power direct current directly to the vehicle battery. Charging time is greatly reduced, typically 30–120 minutes.
- Wireless Charging: Uses electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance for power transfer. This method is emerging and expected to become more common in the future.
04. Connection Methods
Connection methods refer to how an electric vehicle connects to the grid through cables and connectors:
- Type A: The charging cable is permanently attached to the vehicle.
Type B: The charging cable is a separate component with both a vehicle and power plug.
3. Type C: The charging cable is permanently attached to the charging pile.
05. Charging Modes
Charging modes define how power is supplied from the grid to the EV. There are four modes:
- Mode 1 – Basic AC charging with grounding, current ≤ 8A.
• Mode 2 – AC charging with residual current protection.
• Mode 3 – Controlled AC charging with communication and protection up to 63A.
• Mode 4 – DC fast charging with continuous monitoring and power control.
